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This post was submitted by Carol Cook, chair of the 135th Anniversary Committee. 

Have you looked at the Nativity scene in the alcove this year? This beautiful tableau is worth spending a little time with. This coming Sunday, we celebrate Epiphany. It is your last chance, to see the creche until it is brought out again next year. 

This life-sized set was carved in Italy from olive wood, in the early 1950's. In 1955 the Woodward's department store bought the set. It was a highlight of their Christmas window display for many years. The Hudson Bay Company took over Woodward’s in 1993. The Bay continued to display the tableau at its store on Granville Street.

In 2013 - our 125 Anniversary, The Bay donated this heritage set to the Cathedral. Since then, it has had pride of place here at the Cathedral every Christmas season. If you look closely at the baby, you may notice he is missing something! A few years ago, someone absconded with baby Jesus and was soon found trying to sell him - minus a toe. The baby was safely returned and a loyal band of docents now watch over the creche whenever the Cathedral is open. Many thanks to them.